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David Hettinga

Minneapolis, MN | Distinguished Ag Alumni: 1996

David Hettinga is chief technical officer and vice president of Corporate Research, Technology and Engineering, Agricultural research, and technology and fleet for Land O’Lakes, one of the world’s largest and most successful cooperatives. Dr. Hettinga had has had a positive effect on the course of our culture, both farm production and food manufacturing. Thanks to his contributions, US agriculture is stronger and more vital than ever. David holds two patents for the manufacture of cheese and cheese products before joining Land O’Lakes he held positions a Kraft and Clorox he currently serves as the chair of the board of Advanced Food Sciences, Inc., and on the board of Alex Fries, Inc. He is also vice chair of the United States National Committee of the International Dairy Federation. Dr. Hettinga is active and dairy organizations, chairing the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board Fat Advisory Committee. He is a board member of the Industry Review Committee for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, the American Dairy Science Association, and the Institute of Food Technologist. He is also active in the community organizations such as the United Way and the Minnesota 100 mentor program. A native of Orange County, California, he is a former instructor of dairy and food science at California State Polytechnic University and he has published numerous scientific papers and refereed journals. He is the author of three book chapters and is frequently asked to speak to agriculture and food groups. In addition to his Purdue degree, Dr. Hettinga earned a bachelor of science in dairy manufacturing and business from Cal Poly in 1962. He holds a Ph.D. in food Microbiology from Iowa State University, which he completed in 1971.